Christian Report August 2025

Choose Life, That You May Live

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Those days—or maybe even seasons—when life feels unbearably heavy. When the bad news comes, or the loneliness creeps in, or it seems like the weight of military life and all its sacrifices are just too much to bear. Maybe it’s grief over a lost friend, a painful PCS move, or the strain of holding a family together while a spouse is deployed.

In those moments, the enemy whispers to us that there’s no way out. He tempts us with distractions—things that might numb the pain for a little while. Maybe it’s another drink. Maybe it’s reckless behavior or choices we’d never normally make. Or maybe it’s the more socially acceptable kinds of escape: endless scrolling, isolating ourselves, or pushing God to the side because, let’s be honest, it hurts too much to pray right now.

But God!

He gently calls us back with the same invitation He gave His people in Deuteronomy 30:19:

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Choosing life doesn’t mean the hard things dis-appear overnight. But it does mean we refuse to let pain or sorrow define us. It means we turn our eyes to the One who holds all things—even our suffering—in His hands.

I have to tell you, this isn’t just theory for me—it’s personal. Right now, I’m praying for someone I dearly love who is not choosing life. He’s caught in a season of deep despair, turning to dangerous behaviors that are already damaging his health. If he keeps going down that path, it will kill him. He doesn’t know the Lord, so he’s not seeing much to hope for. And as much as I love him, my love alone can’t rescue him. Only God can do that. There is a war being waged for his soul, and my weapon is prayer. Prayer and more prayer. I’ll admit—his despair has tugged my heart into its own shadows. But thanks be to God, I know the power of running boldly to the throne of grace. I can let my petitions and cries for mercy ring through the heavenly halls, and I know my Father hears them.

When I reflect on the places we’ve lived or the battles we’ve faced, I can see how God has al-ways been working—even in the painful places. Think about Joseph in the Bible. He was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. If any-one had a reason to give up, it was Joseph. And yet, Joseph chose faithfulness. He chose life. And when the time was right, God lifted him

up—not just for his own good, but to save his entire family. Joseph told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

Brothers and sisters, whatever you’re facing to-day, God is not blind to it. He is not indifferent to your tears or your struggles. What others may have meant for harm, or what life has thrown your way, God can use for good. But we have to participate in that process. We have to choose life.

Choosing life means leaning into God’s Word when despair whispers in our ear. It means reaching out for help when the darkness feels too thick to navigate alone. It means believing that God’s plan for us is still unfolding, even when all we see are the broken pieces.

I don’t know what you’re facing today, but I know this: God has a wonderful plan for your life. Not an easy plan, but a wonderful one in its eternal purpose. Don’t let the pain of today rob you of the promises of tomorrow. Don’t choose the path that leads to destruction—whether it’s substances, bitterness, or hopelessness.

Choose life. Choose hope. Choose Jesus. And live.

Kathleen Orr serves as the Executive Director of Christian Military Fellowship (CMF), following many years on the organization’s Board of Directors. She is an attorney, a former short-term missionary, and a passionate evangelist at heart. Kathleen is also the proud wife and stepmom to three Army veterans—roles that have deepened her love for the military community. Daniel 11:32b

Coming This Fall: New Bible Study on The Sermon on the Mount

After our enriching walk through Genesis 1–11, we’re excited to announce our next ZOOM CMF Bible study series:

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) — one of the most foundational and transformative teachings of Jesus, taught by Dr. Herschel Hughes and Paul Morris.

In this study, we’ll explore what it means to live as Christ’s disciples, not just in belief, but in the everyday realities of our thoughts, decisions, relation-ships, and service. Often called “Christ’s field manual for Kingdom living,” these chapters challenge us to shape our character, motives, loyalties, and obedience to align with God’s heart.

Throughout the series, we’ll discuss:

•Humility as the starting point of spiritual strength

•Integrity that withstands life’s pressures

•Resilience in the face of trials and uncertainties

•Influence that reflects Christ in every sphere of life

Whether you’re active duty, a spouse, or a civilian connected to military life, this study will offer time-less truths and practical applications to build a life of faith that stands firm when the storms come.

We’ll kick off in September, and participants are welcome to join any or all sessions. If you’re interested in facilitating a session, let us know — we provide outlines and support so you don’t need to be an expert, just willing to grow and lead.

Stay tuned for finalized dates and details. Please email office@CMFHQ.org if you are interested in this study.

Join us as we grow together in Kingdom living!

Christianity Is Not a Religion, It’s a Relationship

We’ve all probably heard that Christian cliché. We’ve seen it as bumper stickers, Facebook memes, and billboard messages. It sounds great, and a lot of Christians love it! But is it true? Let’s take a closer look.

That Christianity is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ goes without saying, is self-understood (selbstverständlich in German – I love that word!). I seriously doubt that there are any Christians that would dispute that fact. It’s the “not a religion” bit that could use the closer look.

First of all, let’s examine a dictionary. Our old friend, Merriam-Webster gives ‘religion’ two definitions:

“the service and worship of God or the supernatural”

“commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance”

Next, let’s see what the Bible has to say about Christianity and religion:

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:26-17)

Case closed? Not quite. There’s an evangelistic aspect to our beloved cliché. We’ll start with a question.

How many times have you told someone with whom you are sharing the message of the gospel that what was missing in his/her life was a relationship with Jesus Christ? Be honest. Are you ready for an intellectual speed bump? It might be a big one, but I hope not. Hold on to your hat!

Every single human being already has a relationship with Christ! Every single one! Let’s ex[plain that starting with the easiest part. In Christian terms, every person on the planet is either saved or lost, headed for Heaven or the warmer place with no air conditioning. Still with me? Maybe, maybe not? What dies the Bible have to say?

As it turns out, both Jesus and the Apostle Paul had something to say:

In His late evening conversation with the Jewish teacher Nicodemus, Jesus said that God gave his only son so that anyone who believes in Him has eternal life (John 3:16 again). Then Jesus added the following:

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (v. 18)

There we are again with two kinds of people in the world – those who believe in Christ and those who don’t.

Later, the apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, had this to say about the former lives of those who became believers in Christ:

“You were dead in the trespasses and sins, in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)

Dear readers, It doesn’t get much clearer than that. “Whoever” means “whoever” and “we all were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” means ‘ladi dadi everybody’. (military jargon)

What does that have to do with evangelism? Well, the next time, and every time after that, when you find yourself sharing the message of the gospel with an unbelieving family member, school mate, co-worker, or acquaintance on the street keep those passages deep in your heart. They de-scribe that person with whom you are sharing the promise of salvation in Christ. It will take your burden for that dear one to the next level. I promise!

I almost forgot. In case you missed it, Christianity is BOTH a religion AND a relationship!

SGM Daniel Cartwright, USA (Ret.) is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces and long-time member of Christian Military Fellowship. Dan is a Local Rep at Ft. Carson. He currently serves on the CMF Board of Directors.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Local Leader?

Christian Military Fellowship exists to help you fulfill your calling in Christ to share the hope that is in you with those with whom you interact as part of your daily life.

Briefly, CMF Local Leaders will start, and sustain a CMF fellowship made up of members of the military community in their area. While CMF is an “all ranks” ministry, our area of focus is on enlisted personnel. Local leaders institute and lead the military community in Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, keeping in communication with participants. They should also seek to build relationships with the chaplains and the chaplain team.

Toward that end we encourage you to study and complete the CMF briefing material:

Orientation (Brief #1) that shares an overview of the CMF ministry.

Developing a Local Ministry (Brief #2) that shares the Biblical foundation for and delineates the logical steps in beginning your local ministry.

Pray and Plan (Brief #3) that shares the most important activity of all! Asking Jesus what He would have you to do and then being obedient to follow His leading in your local ministry. If you choose to begin this process, please reach out to us at: info@CMFHQ.org

We’re praying for you!

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CHRISTIAN MILITARY FELLOWSHIP

An Indigenous Ministry • Discipleship • Prayer • Community • Support

Encouraging Men and Women in the United States Armed Forces, and their families, to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are accredited members of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and have been awarded a Platinum Seal from Guidestar/Candid in order to maintain the highest standards of excellence and accountability.

Mailing Address: PO Box 449 Veradale, WA 99037-0449 (800)798-7875 (303)761-1959 https://www.CMFHQ.ORG office@CMFHQ.org